AL: Deadline Deals - By the Numbers

We are going to take a look at what your contending team needs, by the numbers, coming up to the deadline. We are going to look at the leaders in each division and the wild card team.

Tampa Bay Rays - East

It's no secret know how talented the Rays are this year. The Rays have the number three AL pitching staff on the year and, along with their strong defense, have kept them afloat of the top of the brutal AL East.

Tampa Bay needs a big bat if they hope to stay on top in the East. In the AL they are eleventh in team batting average, twelfth in hits, and eighth in OPS.

The Rays are going to need somebody to solidify the middle of their lineup and hope that Crawford and Hinske can regain their form from the beginning of the year.

Boston Red Sox - Wild Card

With Man-Ram wanting to be traded, the Red Sox have a lot going on into the deadline. Although the likelihood of Manny being moved is very small, the possibilities of seeing a big name deal are interesting.

The Sox didn't miss a beat while Big Papi was sidelined with his wrist injury. Boston is still second in the AL in runs and batting average.

The obvious weakness for the Red Sox is in the bullpen. In the AL, their bullpen is ninth in team ERA, Hits, and batting average allowed.

Chicago White Sox - Central

The White Sox are holding strong at the top of the Central. Chicago holds a slim 1.5 game lead over the Twins.

Chicago's offense and bullpen have been the strength of the White Sox this year. They have hit 14 more home runs than anybody else in the AL and have the number two ERA for relievers.

The White Sox defense has been terrible. They are fourteenth in errors in the AL and might look to add a defensive untility man to come off the bench. Chicago will also look to add an arm to the starting rotation that rank seventh in the AL in ERA.

Los Angeles Angels - West

The Angels are well up in the West and looking to cruise into the playoffs. With no glaring weakness, don't look for any blockbusters out of the Angels.

Los Angeles' key to success is their strong starting pitching that is ranked third in the AL in ERA.

The Angels are ninth in the AL in batting average and runs. The often injured Chone Figgins and Howie Kendrick are going to be keys for the Angels. If Los Angeles doesn't have faith in them staying healthy look for them to snag a quality infielder.